Each year, Midwest Real Estate News runs its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame issue, honoring the top CRE pros from across the Midwest. This year, we are running these profiles online, too. Today, we look at the busy career of Chad Firsel, president of Quantum Real Estate Advisors in Chicago.
Years in the business: 20
Focus on his clients: Chad Firsel of Chicago’s Quantum Real Estate Advisors has focused on one thing during his commercial real estate career: achieving the best value for his clients.
It’s a simple approach, but it’s also one that works. During his career of more than two decades, Firsel has guided more than $2 billion in retail, industrial and office closings.
“I love that each day is different,” Firsel said. “I get to analyze and understand new properties, meet new people and address new challenges. Every day is unique.”
Big-name clients: It’s little surprise that with this history of success, Firsel has generated a long list of big-name clients. He works with clients such as Inland Group of Companies, Hudson Advisors, Torchlight, BMO Harris, RBS Citizens and CIII.
But Firsel doesn’t limit himself to institutional owners. He also works with first-time acquirers from family offices and small and medium-size commercial real estate owners and developers.
The success secrets: “I have a thirst for knowledge,” Firsel said. “I am curious about everything from macroeconomics to taxation policy. I want to understand every aspect affecting the tenancy, construction, location and so on.”
Firsel also works smart and hard.
“Some people pride themselves on the latter, and while I appreciate that and subscribe to that, I pride myself on also working smart,” Firsel said. “I believe strongly that knowing which opportunities to pursue, as well as knowing when to walk away, is critical. Time is limited. We must spend it wisely.”
Devoted to his community: Firsel focuses, too, on serving his community. He commits time and service to the City of Hope, one of the world’s leading biomedical research and treatment centers for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. He and his wife, a cancer survivor, were the largest fundraisers for the Colon Cancer Coalition, which supports research for colon cancer treatment. In 2013, the Firsels established a new foundation to help prevent and find a cure for cancer.
Firsel is also a member of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Jewish United Fund. He mentors future real estate leaders through local universities and non-profit organizations, too.
Out-of-office hours: Most important to Firsel is spending quality time with his wife and two young sons. He is an avid admirer of their school and sport activities. “There is no greater joy than watching my children grow,” he said.
Firsel is also a fan of music and skiing. He has played drums for 25 years and has created a band with real estate professionals to raise money for cancer research.
Lastly, he and his family love traveling.
“There is nothing better to me than exploring new cities, seeing new cultures and exploring sights with my family,” Firsel said. “I believe that is where the real learning takes place.”
